A tragic road accident in Mangaluru has sparked public outrage after a motorcyclist lost his life in a collision involving a police personnel’s car.
The deceased has been identified as Imran alias S.A. Mohammed Thaha (40), a resident of Kukkaje. He worked as a dish repair technician with a private company and was returning home after work when the incident occurred near Heggadebettu, close to B.C. Road.
According to reports, a Tata Nano car driven by Prasanna, a police personnel attached to the district DCRE unit, allegedly lost control and collided with Imran’s bike. The impact threw Imran off the motorcycle, causing severe injuries.
Local residents immediately rushed him to Bantwal Government Hospital, but doctors declared him brought dead. Imran is survived by his wife and two young children. Originally from Marnabail, he had recently built a house in Kukkaje.
Following the accident, locals alleged that the police officer was drunk at the time of the incident. A video circulated widely on social media, claiming that a liquor bottle was found inside the car. Several eyewitnesses reportedly told locals that the driver appeared heavily intoxicated.
However, police officials stated that an alcohol meter test conducted in the presence of the victim’s relatives did not confirm alcohol consumption. Authorities also clarified that blood samples have been collected and will be tested for further confirmation. Legal action will be taken based on the final report.
Residents of the area also pointed out that the stretch of road where the accident occurred has dangerous curves and poor road design, and has witnessed multiple accidents in the past.
The Punjalkatte police have registered a case and are continuing the investigation.
